If you’re arriving by air, you won’t have to decide which airport to fly into. Riffa has just one – Bahrain Intl. Airport (BAH).

Bahrain Intl. Airport (BAH) is 19 kilometres from downtown Riffa, so be prepared for a bit of a commute into the center of the city.

Bahrain International Airport is the main airport in Riffa. Before you hop on the plane, it’s a wise idea to know a thing or two about it. It sits about 19 kilometres from the downtown area.

Riffa is serviced by 23 airlines from 48 airports across the globe.

Typically, travelers opt to fly with Gulf Air, flydubai and Emirates when heading off to Riffa. The majority of these flights originate in Dubai, with Gulf Air flying this route the most.

With 668 direct flights every week, you’ll be arriving in Riffa before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

Flights to Riffa from Kuwait City, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi airports are in high demand.

If it’s Dubai you’re departing, you’ll be midair for around 1 hour and 21 minutes before you arrive in Riffa. Terminal to terminal from Kuwait City typically takes 1 hour and 10 minutes and from Riyadh, 1 hour and 13 minutes.

If you want to have some extra spending money on your trip to Riffa, then listen up! As every experienced jet-setter knows, don’t leave booking until the last minute. Airfares are usually highest close to the departure date. Another good way to grab the most affordable fare is to compare all options. If your destination has several airports, look into the cost of flying into a less busy terminal. Lastly, another easy way to save a few dollars is be ready to book fast. If you see an irresistible bargain, don’t think twice — snap it up while the opportunity’s there.

If you’re not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there’s no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a stress-free start to your time in Riffa.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let’s start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that’ll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. You’ll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, can’t come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The long, narrow aisles of your plane are not the best place for a fashion parade. Wear comfortable clothes and take a cardigan as it tends to get cool inside the cabin during longer flights. Slightly roomy, flat shoes are also a sensible choice.
• You’ve probably heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. There are many ways to minimize your risk. Wear a pair of compression socks or tights, drink lots of water and move your legs and feet. Walk around the cabin when possible or perform some stretches in your seat.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your trip to Riffa easy and painless. Below you’ll find some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you’ll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.